ANT Middleton was dropped by Channel 4 after he laid into the show’s bosses for turning SAS: Who Dares Wins into a “reality show”

The former Special Forces soldier said he is “really disappointed” with his former paymasters and that them “butting heads” resulted in him leaving the series.

Ant, 40, said the show – which is based on the brutal SAS selection process to join the elite unit – was not what it was when it started in 2015.

Ant exclusively told The Sun: “I think that ultimately what has happened is that the people that make the show and I have very different opinions on where the show started and where it is going in the future.

“When I started making the show and as I was involved from the beginning, it was very simple and at its core it was to show what Special Forces’ selection was.

“And I am sad to say that in recent years the producers of the show have drifted from this and it has become more of a reality show than I feel comfortable with.

“I have decided to walk away from it, it is clear Channel 4 and I have fallen out over it and that is regretful. I have butted heads with some of the team but ultimately it is out of a passion for what I wanted to do and that’s make the best show possible.”

Ant was informed of the sudden decision yesterday, just weeks before the latest series is on air.And the dad-of-five says the way his exit was handled has left him “really disappointed” by the channel and production firm Minnow Films.

He added: “I have been fighting for the show to be as close and as authentic to the selection process as possible. The viewers deserve it, the fans deserve it and the recruits too.

“They sign up to the show for an experience, it is often life changing and to try and fake that doesn’t feel right. I always want to stay as true to myself as possible and what the show should be.

“I am really disappointed with the way that this has been handled,
after working with them for five years I would have expected better.

“But I am genuinely very excited about what is on the table this year anyway and this is the start of a very exciting year for me, so I wish the show the best for the future but it is time for me to walk away from it.

“I am very proud of the show and proud of what we have achieved with
the show and there is no doubt that being part of that has been one of
my favourite experiences of my professional career.”

Ant leaving the show comes after several high-profile gaffes in the last 12 months.

The veteran resigned from his role as the Royal Navy’s Chief Cadet last summer, after bosses were left unhappy over his now-deleted tweet about Black Lives Matter protests.

He apologised after referring to Black Lives Matter protesters as "absolute scum" as he complained about the "extreme left" and the English Defence League's "extreme right" taking to the streets.

He later said he was "anti-racist and anti-violence" after deleting the tweet.

I am very proud of the show and proud of what we have achieved with the show and there is no doubt that being part of that has been one of my favourite experiences of my professional career.

Ant also hit headlines in March 2020, when posted a “tough-love” video message on social media urging his followers to carry on as normal despite coronavirus.

Channel 4 said it will not work with the decorated war hero again due
to his "personal conduct".

In a statement, the channel said: "It has become clear that our views
and values are not aligned.

"Meanwhile, the show’s bosses are desperately trying to hold onto the remaining celebrity hardmen on SAS: Who Dares Wins, after Ant Middleton sensationally left the show.

Producers don’t want his fellow trainers Jason ‘Foxy’ Fox and Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham to follow their comrade out of the door before filming of the next series’ starts.

A TV insider said: “Although the departure of SAS: Who Dares Wins best known figure is a headache for the show, having his comrades throw in the towel would be a nightmare.

“Jason and Mark have become an important part of the show over the past six years its been on our screens and they want to ensure they’re part of its future.

“But they know the programme is now at a critical point, particularly as producers have yet to say who might step into the role left behind by the course leader’s departure.”

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